More than three decades after the war ended, cluster munitions, landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) remain a serious threat to many communities throughout Vietnam. It is estimated that out of the 15 million tons of munitions used by the U.S during the war, 10% failed to detonate on impact (U.S. Dept. of Defense). The ERW that remain scattered all over the country have left a lethal legacy hindering the social and economic development of people nationwide. ERW have been responsible for more than 100,000 injuries and fatalities since 1975, rendering many of the survivors permanently disabled.

Hundreds of unexploded mortars being unearthed near a local house in Trieu Phong District, March 2012.

In close proximity to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Quang Tri Province was the most heavily bombed and shelled area of Vietnam during the war. More than 83% of the total area in Quang Tri remains contaminated with Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), compared to an average contamination of 20% nationwide.

Despite major efforts from government authorities and various international organizations, ERW remain a threat to people's safety while significantly inhibiting local development. As of December 2011 Quang Tri province sustained a total 7,086 casualties from UXO accidents, about 1.2% of the province's population. Notably, 31% of these victims were children. Although data is not available to measure economic losses of agricultural land or other development restrictions due to widespread UXO contamination, these socio-economic costs are considered to be extremely high.

* Source: “Vietnam UXO/Landmine Impact Assessment & Technical Survey - Phase I” conducted by BOMICEN and VVAF, financed by Office of Weapons Removal & Abatement, US DoS